Cardiff City Squad Review: Whitley

After an up-and-down season, Cardiff City finished comforably mid-table. A scintillating start was followed by a dismal end and the same players looked half as effective as previously.

VitalCardiff brings you an end of season review of each player. If you disagree then feel free to leave a comment at the foot of this article or e-mail Vital Bluebirds with an alternative review!!


The reviews will be published every weekday between 10-11am:




4 – JEFF WHITLEY


The Northern Ireland midfielder barely got a look in at Ninian Park this season. He was Dave Jones` first Cardiff City signing and played a big role but found himself completely frozen out. He spend the early part of the season on loan with Stoke City, but failed to figure in their first team after an impressive loan spell by Aston Villa`s Lee Hendrie and recruitment of Czech Republic star Patrik Berger to the Brittania Stadium.

Jeff made 34 appearances for Cardiff City, scoring one goal during a 2-1 defeat by Watford in the 2005-06 season.

After a well-documented spat with Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez regarding Whitley and then City teammate Phil Mulryne breaking a curfew, Whitley lost his International place and consequently missed the revolution under Sanchez including a fine 1-0 win over England.

He then went AWOL from training and was uncontactable by the club resulting in his exclusion from the squad even when we were desperately seeking central midfield cover. Whitley eventually joined Wrexham on loan and was instrumental in helping the Dragons avoid relegation. New manager Bryan Carey insists that Whitley is the player to ‘build your side around`.

A sour end to Jeff`s time at Cardiff, he always gave 100% but lacked the ability to drive a promotion push.